[MustPass1988]

I recently left my job as an auditor at a public accounting firm (about 2 months ago) and started working in private industry. I realized quickly that the friendships you make in public accounting are just not the same outside of the industry, my manager is pretty difficult to work with, and they moved our desks so we’re sitting far away from the rest of the accounting/treasury department and I’ve made no friends and don’t know anyone except the 2 middle aged men that I work with. Anyways, I am really beginning to miss my old firm and I am worried I made a bad decision leaving. The partner that I worked with frequently told me on my last day that he thought I was making a mistake and wouldn’t be happy and if I realized that I was, I could come back. I am starting to think I should take him up on his offer. Did anyone else leave public accounting and realize that private wasn’t what you thought it would be?

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[jelly]

I was in external audit, internal audit, then worked for the gov't for about a year. I'm back in public, dealing with compilations, tax compliance, planning, research.

I do some side work for a few small places. I do agree that private is more interesting at the managerial/executive decision-making level, especially in strategic planning, sales, marketing, innovation for new products/services (for instance, I provide feedback on which vendors, auditors, or other services to use). Roles and responsibilities tend to be slower in private unless you happen to be a rainmaker in sales or own a huge chunk of company stock, b/c almost everyone is considered a cost center instead of a revenue center.

I feel the same away in public accounting, where I'm getting the chance to observe client relationships, due diligence for new clients, and how to price for services. I consider the reports and other deliverables I'm expected to generate, technical homework.

Use your boredom at work to finish the exam and get it out of the way (yes, I know how exciting it is studying for the exam!) Having the license will give you more legs and options to leave at this point in your career.

Couldn't pass again!

[SeePeeAyy]

I obviously don't have much experience as I start in Public accounting in the Fall but maybe you should look for things to do that aren't job related?

Look at it this way, if you were working 80 hour weeks during busy season you essentially have freed up an extra 40+ hours of time per week at your current job. Why fill that time with more work? I don't know if you have a family, but spending time with them, picking up a new hobby, travel, spend time with friends, take classes etc.

Maybe you are just primed to be a work-a-holic (which isn't a bad thing) from public accounting. I admire your integrity and ambition though.

[Keely]

I was just reading through this thread, and I think SeePeeAyy makes a great point!

Give it a little while longer and at least pass the exam before you leave. It's nice you get to study at work, you won't get that anywhere else.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[MustPass1988]

I don't really think I'm a workaholic- I just want a job that's fulfilling. I didn't spend 4 years in college and countless hours studying to be in a job that is incredibly boring. But I do see the benefit in utilizing it to get the exam finished…if by the time that's done (early summer) and I'm still being given next to nothing to do, then maybe that will be the time to either go back to my old firm or move on to somewhere else.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[FlipACoin]

It really sounds like they are going easy on you mostly beacuse of the CPA exam. Are you saying they let you study at work? That is a HUGE benefit and it sounds like you are taking advantage of it (which is great). One thing I would suggest is to try to shift your mentality that your worth to a company is only the amount of hours or output that you create in the short term. I know that's the way it is in the public environment but in corporate companies are sometimes into investing in good people. So sometimes they will take their time onboarding because they want you to really learn the process or business. They see it as an investment, and especially since you are getting your CPA, they may find that of more value than having you crunch out a bunch of stuff right now.

I would suggest to get your CPA and have an immediate discussion with them once you do about how they see your position and your contribution to the company/department. See what their plans are for you and if you don't like what they say, or if after a few months (at least 3-6 months) they aren't doing what they say, then maybe look to move on. I don't regret much in my career because I have been very fortune so far, but one thing I do wish I would have done more is honest direct communication. If they like you I think you would be surprised how far many companies and managers are willing to go to keep you happy. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

This might make you feel better, MustPass1988

https://howshouldweaccountforme.tumblr.com/post/42034122370/when-youve-left-public-accounting-and-someone-asks-if

[Author]

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